Arthur A. Vargus
On June 3, 2009 Senior Master Sergeant Arthur Anthony Vargus, United States Air Force (ret) age 91, died peacefully after a long illness at the Fatima Veterans Home in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
Born in New York City on April 19, 1918, he was a long time resident of Homosassa, Florida. Arthur was a World War II and Korean War veteran who served in the United States Army Air Corps and United States Air Force. He joined the Army Air Corps in August 1939 at Mitchell Field, NY. During the onset of World War II, he served with the 320th Bomb Group, primarily as a mess sergeant; however, his love of planes led to his assignment in the 320th as a B-26 Marauder crew chief. He served over three years overseas, involved in the invasions of North Africa and Southern France, traveled to England, Sardinia, Corsica, Central Europe, Rhineland, and Tunisia. Upon his separation from active duty in 1945, Arthur enlisted in the Air Force Reserves, and was assigned as an assistant crew chief with the 514th Troop Carrier Wing at Mitchell Field, New York. The unit was recalled to active duty in 1950 for the Korean War, and stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Arthur’s distinguished 28 year military career continued until his retirement in September, 1967. Among his decorations were the American Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the French Croix de Guerre.
After leaving the military, he became parts manager for Town and Country Oldsmobile in Woodmere, New York. In the early 1970’s he and Sylvia, his beloved wife of 28 years, moved from Farmingdale, New York to Homosassa, Florida. Sylvia passed away in 1992. Arthur remained in Homosassa until his illness.
He is survived by his only son Richard and daughter-in-law Norma, Army Officers serving on active duty. He is also survived by his grandchildren Christopher, Michael, Nicholas, Mary, and great-grandson Xavier. The family requests any donations in his memory be sent to the United Services Organization (USO).